Post by cory's beard on Feb 25, 2013 15:10:21 GMT -5

Hey, Tallest Man on Earth is FINALLY playing Bonnaroo! I mean, can we be a little more hype about this? Like, can this have its own thread now?

Kristian Matsson (born April 30, 1983) is a singer-songwriter from Dalarna, Sweden. Since 2006, he has released three full-length albums and two EPs. He performs under the stage name The Tallest Man on Earth. He is known for recording and producing his own records in whichever home he is currently living and states that the connection between his voice and guitar is so strong, he rarely records them as separately tracked performances. He is also known both by critics and his fans for his charismatic stage presence.

Critics have compared The Tallest Man on Earth to Bob Dylan both in terms of songwriting ability and vocal style. When asked about his lyrical style, Matsson explains that he began listening to Bob Dylan at fifteen, and upon hearing Dylan's cover material, he "tried to figure out where those songs came from" and became slowly exposed to early American folk, such as Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. But he is careful to qualify this, saying "I don't consider my work to be a part of any tradition. This is how I play. This is how I write songs"

With regards to his guitar technique, Matsson uses a variety of open tunings, and standard tuning to a lesser degree. He had classical guitar training in his youth, but says he "never really focuses on it" and that by the end of high school he "got bored playing guitar because it was like math", until he then discovered open tunings while listening to Nick Drake in his early twenties. He was drawn to this style of playing because it allowed him to focus on singing while still performing intricate music. --Wikipedia

He's got three albums out--Shallow Graves (2008), The Wild Hunt (2010) and There's No Leaving Now (2012). Admittedly I haven't listened to his recent release very much, but the prior two releases are some solid folk releases. The wiki article hit it on the head about the guy's connection with his guitar. The tones blend perfectly, especially on his earlier recordings. If you're unfamiliar, I'd start at the beginning. But maybe listen to the three songs below and, whichever song jumps out, start with that album. Definitely looking forward to his Saturday set. I couldn't think of a more perfect set time than late afternoon or even sunset--possibly followed by a Jim James set.

Post by George on Feb 25, 2013 21:05:30 GMT -5

I've seen him 3 separate times, once at Black Cat, and twice at 9:30 club. That being said ,I wouldn't miss his show on the farm for anything short of David Byrne + St Vincent or The National. He kills it live and really has developed some charisma in his interactions with audience as time has gone on. If you sort of maybe like folk music even a little bit, be at this show.

Post by FuzzyWarbles on Feb 25, 2013 23:46:41 GMT -5

What you got back home, little sister, to play your fuzzy warbles on? I bet you got little save pitiful, portable picnic players. Come with uncle and hear all proper! Hear angel trumpets and devil trombones. You are invited.

Post by beaches on Mar 1, 2013 13:34:46 GMT -5

Does anyone know if he is touring with a band or alone? I saw him after the Wild Hunt and he was alone (with like 7 guitars), but the new album has some other instrumentation on it... Honestly I'd be scared if he had a band. It's such a magical show with just him and his guitar

Post by FuzzyWarbles on Mar 1, 2013 14:01:49 GMT -5

What you got back home, little sister, to play your fuzzy warbles on? I bet you got little save pitiful, portable picnic players. Come with uncle and hear all proper! Hear angel trumpets and devil trombones. You are invited.

Post by George on Mar 1, 2013 14:37:25 GMT -5

Does anyone know if he is touring with a band or alone? I saw him after the Wild Hunt and he was alone (with like 7 guitars), but the new album has some other instrumentation on it... Honestly I'd be scared if he had a band. It's such a magical show with just him and his guitar

Post by jorgerdz on Mar 2, 2013 21:58:19 GMT -5

Saw him at the last Lolla and it was just him. Volume was a little low and there were a lot of people talking in the audience. Still, it was amazing and I'm looking forward to seeing him again. The new album is great, it might be my favorite of his, or at least tied with The Wild Hunt.

Post by Scrog on Mar 6, 2013 0:04:40 GMT -5

Saw him at NFF last year and he is very entertaining and I can not wait for this set. I did not know who he was, but saw a video of him doing the Gardner in a music store, something about his guitars locked away, so he went into this music store, picked up and old guitar and played one hell of a song, I was hooked from that performance.

This should go without saying, but;PLEASE DO NOT TALK WHILE THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH IS PERFORMING!!!He plays a lot of softer, slower songs and sometimes people become rude and socialize during this time. Please do not do that! Thanks.

Post by LIguy on Mar 6, 2013 16:08:36 GMT -5

Saw him at NFF last year and he is very entertaining and I can not wait for this set. I did not know who he was, but saw a video of him doing the Gardner in a music store, something about his guitars locked away, so he went into this music store, picked up and old guitar and played one hell of a song, I was hooked from that performance.

This should go without saying, but;PLEASE DO NOT TALK WHILE THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH IS PERFORMING!!!He plays a lot of softer, slower songs and sometimes people become rude and socialize during this time. Please do not do that! Thanks.

I was also at NFF last year (in the rain) and the man can hold his own by himself, which is rare these days. If I don't have a major conflict I may very well see him again.